FRANKLIN—Tractor Supply Co. on Saturday, Oct. 30, will open its new store at 1465 Armory Drive in Franklin.

Deb Smith has been named the store manager, according to District Manager Jason Burden.

Smith joined Tractor Supply in October 2007 as a manager-in-training at the South Boston store and opened the Powhatan location as store manager. Prior to Tractor Supply, she was a store manager for Big Lots, a department manager for Lowe’s and served eight years in the Navy.

“Besides her extensive retail background, Deb has experience on horse, cattle and hog farms, so she will be a great resource for customers,” said Burden. “She has recruited talented team members, including a welder, plumber, machinery repairman, farmers and some who are involved in 4-H.”

Smith will oversee all store operations, including receiving, inventory control and merchandising, as well as customer and team member relations.

The Franklin Tractor Supply is expected to employ 14 to 16 part- and full-time workers and will have a grand opening at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 13.

The 19,097-square foot store will be the second in the Hampton Roads region. The other is in Gloucester.

Tractor Supply is the largest retail farm and ranch supply store chain in the United States and has been operating in Virginia since 1996. The company operates more than 940 stores in 44 states.

Tractor Supply Co. stores are focused on supplying the lifestyle needs of recreational farmers and ranchers. They are located in the outlying towns in major metropolitan markets and in rural communities.